The 2009 L-B was a positive surprise recently, the estate’s ability to turn out consistent wines that show vintage character but don’t ever step too far in the direction the vintage invites is really impressive.
Hopefully that 00 Brane is a one off as I just landed a few bottles that I’ve been looking forward to trying!
One member of the group adored the Brane. I liked it but thought it showed older than it was and it had a funkyness that brought mixed reactions and led me to guess Graves blind as it reminded me of 1990 Pape Clement. I think the person who brought it mentioned that it was a fairly recent and auction purchase. All this to say that I wouldn’t worry too much about your bottles but I look forward to your impressions.
Terrific bottle of an old favorite tonight, the 89 La Dominique. I try to be glad that they once made St Emilion like this, not sad that they no longer do (or can’t). But this was so tasty, it’s hard.
Interesting article on the 10 years on tasting here.
Opened a 18 Clos L’Eglise Pomerol that I found in a wine shop on vacation to breathe for tomorrow. Very tight as expected, splash poured a half glass. Barely starting to unfurl after 4 hrs, A lot of new oak on nose and palate, and big dark fruit with intense dark reddish-purple color. Grippy tannins. This is a BIG wine, and it’s not showing its layers yet. 15% abv is noticeable but not in a deterrent way. Will probably need years to smooth out. Day 2: just now starting to open a bit plate-wise, nose is still tight and oaky. Getting some blackberry with the plum and some almost syrah like meaty/earthy notes. Safe to say it’s a powerful wine, but for my palate, I’m not sure it’s a fun one at this stage. Might grab another bottle and put in the cellar for another 5 years
We opened an '88 Lynch Bages a couple of weeks ago for our 38th anniversary. This is a bit of a sleeper Lynch: not as big or lush as the '82, '89, or '90 from that era but such a classic Pauillac that, depending on one’s mood, it can give them a run for the money now and then.
Bottle was an auction purchase in 2020 with a fill into the neck and an intact cork. Still dark red at its core, lighter at the rim. Moderately complex nose of cassis, moist earth, leather, and cedar comes out to play over the course of an hour. A nice complex mix of fruit and aged complexity on the palate, medium body, excellent balance, medium finish. Just classic '80s era Bordeaux.
I had an 88 Lynch a few months ago that was, like you say, a great sleeper and I was in the mood where I couldn’t imagine a better vintage. We did that vertical in London a few years ago and for my money the 88 and 83 were the stars.
Congrats on 38 years of marriage!
I have enjoyed this in the past and have 2 left. I have found a bit of variation with some being a bit ripe/slightly stewed and some very good (from same case). Thanks for the update… havent tried in a few years so will put one in the queue
Had a 2000 Montrose last weekend. For my tastes it was drinking great. Still has primary fruit but also complexity of spices and developing flavors I love in Bordeaux.
Have one left in the cellar after trying one several weeks ago. Strong agree. It seems at a great spot right now
And now tonight the wine has gone off with that sour oxidized tang. What a total disappointment. Expensive brain fart not to crack that open the second I got home last night. Sheesh!
2014 Château Pedesclaux - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac (3/5/2026)
Medium dark red. Very nice cedar box, cassis, tobacco and black cherry nose. Delicious straight forward Cabernet flavours and a very nice long dry textured finish.
Really nice wine that is great to drink now but should continue to improve. (92 points)
Posted from CellarTracker
I really loved this. We took it to an excellent no frills bistro in Vancouver named Gary’s. It was given a half hour decant and was ready to go.
Farr Vintners post on the 10 years on tasting here.
Last night, a 1961 Giscours. Stellar.
This is likely the last - or one of the last - bottles of the 2000 La Fleur de Jaugue [St Emilion] from a case purchased EP. I’ve enjoyed the evolution over the years and it has now entered the fragrant, tertiary stages - forest, baking spices, mulberry. There was lots of red fruit along the way, with a medium weight 13% abv. A fine last hurrah for this honest St Emilion, which still shows a good garnet color. It’s a B+ now.
Dude. That deserves its own thread and pics!!
Pic is missing the 04 Philipponnat Clos des Goisses.
That’s quite the eclectic group of wines
** 2014 Le Dome**
Muted nose and quite grippy/hard tannins on opening. Needed a couple of hours in the decanter to open up then smoothed out. Tasted a little more developed than I thought would be the case.
2018 Château Lafleur Les Pensées
Much darker in colour/almost purple. Beautiful aromatics and fruit, tannins were smooth, enjoyed this over 4-5 hours from bottle and was really excellent. I had a 2020 last year which was fantastic - I’m surprised how well these drink young.
